Literary notes about fierce (AI summary)
In literature, "fierce" is a versatile term that conveys intensity, passion, and raw power in both character and setting. It is used to describe a vehement tone or steadfast determination, as when a character’s wrath or resolve is highlighted through a "fierce tone" ([1]) or "fierce eyes" ([2], [3]), suggesting a burning inner fire. The word also imbues natural phenomena and epic battles with a relentless, almost elemental force—whether illustrating tempests that impede progress ([4]) or heroic struggles in warfare ([5], [6], [7]). Additionally, "fierce" can capture the emotional extremity of characters, from a spirited defiance ([8], [9]) to passionate, turbulent moods in poetic passages ([10], [11]). This rich descriptive quality allows authors across eras and genres to evoke a sense of urgency and raw intensity throughout their narratives.
- If that house has failed, and he the first to bring the news!—Is the coach there?’ ‘Yes, yes,’ said Gride, startled by the fierce tone of the inquiry.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - Never had his eyes appeared so fierce, his nose so aquiline, his mouth so hard and firm.
— from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne - Then there was a fierce glare of sunlight, and he said, “This is China.”
— from The Mysterious Stranger, and Other Stories by Mark Twain - After this, fierce tempests arose for twelve days and nights together and kept them there from sailing.
— from The Argonautica by Rhodius Apollonius - How fierce in fight, with courage undecay’d!
— from The Aeneid by Virgil - Thrice our bold foes the fierce attack have given, Or led by hopes, or dictated from heaven.
— from The Iliad by Homer - And he: 'Why seek to frighten me, fierce man, now my son is gone? this was thy one road to my ruin.
— from The Aeneid of Virgil by Virgil - He frequently allowed his fierce indignation to get the better of his tongue.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - He thought the woman mad, tried to check her, but she went on, fierce in her eager haste.
— from Life in the Iron-Mills; Or, The Korl Woman by Rebecca Harding Davis - From time to time d'Urberville exhibited a sort of fierce distress at the sight of the tramping he had driven her to undertake by his misdemeanour.
— from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas Hardy - What of the youth, when love's relentless might Stirs the fierce fire within his veins?
— from The Georgics by Virgil
